The Scout staff has compiled a list of their favorite songs to listen to as October begins, along with explanations and descriptions.
Latif Love:
“Make Them Pay” by Drake
A few times a week, I revel in the mastery that Drake shows on this track. It’s truly one of his best rapping performances of the decade and maybe his entire career. On this record, he’s in a scorned place, rapping about how the entire industry has turned its back on him after the beef. His commentary on how everything played out is intriguing enough, but he layers sports schemes, location schemes and double entendres with an amazing sample in the background.
“I’m On One” by DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
Though it was released 15 years ago, “I’m On One” still hits like it was previewed last week. The track is a great display of how and why Drake’s music is timeless, and a fond reminder of an artist who was much hungrier on the come-up. It’s also one of those songs where he perfectly blends singing and rapping.
Scarlett Rose Binder:
“Sorry” by Nothing But Thieves
If I were to list my favorite bands of all time, none of them would be from this century – except Nothing But Thieves. Conor Mason’s vocals blow me away every time, and the group knows how to write songs that build to a crescendo. “Sorry” starts simple and flourishes into an intense, emotional, beautiful confession.
“Dracula” by Nessa Barrett
The start of October means spooky season is officially – acceptably – upon us. Every year, I enter the month craving scary movie marathons, cinnamon candles and hot apple cider. “Dracula” fits this mood perfectly. It’s a seductive song about a dark romance, and this month, I know I’ll have it on repeat.
Celine Lamirand:
“Halloweenie IV: Innards” by Ashnikko
In honor of the beginning of October, I think it’s only fair to pay tribute to Ashnikko’s “Halloweenie” series. From the catchy instrumentals to the slightly unsettling, horror-themed lyrics, “Innards” screams Halloween. I remember seeing an interview with Ashnikko where she stated she always creates a character for every song she writes. I think her character is clearly on display throughout “Halloweenie,” but especially in “Innards.” I can’t help but imagine the creature in disguise she describes in her lyrics. For fans who love everything Halloween, “Innards” is the one to have on repeat this October.
“Animal Cannibal – Possibly in Michigan” by Karen Skladany
“Animal Cannibal” from the short film “Possibly in Michigan” caters to my love for everything creepy, unsettling and generally horror. The first time I heard this song, I was deeply disturbed by the nature of the story behind it. But perhaps that’s why I fell in love with it. I’m a firm believer in the philosophy that art comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comforted. “Animal Cannibal” puts that philosophy to the ultimate test. Honestly, there’s no better way to kick off the spooky season than to rewatch “Possibly in Michigan” and add “Animal Cannibal” to your Halloween playlist.
Paul Swartz:
“Headlights” by In Color
Nashville pop-rock outfit In Color burst onto the scene with their 2025 single “Headlights,” and it’s one of my most-listened-to songs of the year. A simple song structure is underscored by a relentless instrumental that is perfect for a nighttime drive in the rain. Vocalist Matt Hastings gives a beautifully emotional performance with a ridiculously catchy melody that will have you humming the chorus long after the song ends.
“Service Road” by Better Oblivion Community Center
When I discovered a collaborative album between my favorite songwriter of all time, Conor Oberst, and Phoebe Bridgers existed, I pressed play immediately. The duo has released only one self-titled album under the Better Oblivion Community Center name, but it’s a damn good one. “Service Road” has signature Oberst acoustic guitar and somber songwriting, while Bridgers lends her angelic vocals to the choruses and bridge in a way that perfectly complements Oberst’s raspy and raw delivery.
Jordan Jones:
“My Muse” by Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas completely brings it all together with this song, solidifying himself as a capable songwriter and performer within the music industry. Now, this song isn’t very representative of the vibes you get from “spooky season,” but it’s just as catchy and familiar. “My Muse” is one of those songs that makes you incredibly giddy, and the energy it brings is undeniably infectious.
“YUKON (Live from Coachella Weekend 1)” by Justin Bieber
“YUKON” is a great song, but Bieber’s live version from Coachella Weekend 1 is just perfect. Instead of the original with the altered voice, listeners can fully indulge in Bieber’s raw vocals combined with relatable lyrics as well; all artists should just start releasing their live performance versions of songs. Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance is one to remember, with this song being a statement piece for it, easily being one of my favorite songs as of right now.
Injy Wasfy:
“Resurrection” by HIM
While it’s not the band’s most popular song, “Resurrection” is a gem among other, shinier gems. Its themes blend the idea of a relationship that resurrects with its highs but also brings the lows. In a sense, it projects the idea that maybe the high is so great because the low is so deep. Ultimately, the resurrection doesn’t become a new breath, but the troubled second life of a zombie.
“Tempest” by Deftones
Deftones in general have a very recognizable style, but they manage to make every song feel like its own. “Tempest” especially. While they usually lead with their melody right away, this track pushes it back in favor of a simpler piano as the lyrics brace you for what’s to come. Immediately after the warning, the guitar takes over, and the rest is classic Deftones high energy.
Ethan Diamond:
“Tuscan Leather” by Drake
Tuscan Leather is my favorite Drake intro track, and one of my overall favorite intro tracks in general. Drake sets up the rest of his 2013 album Nothing Was the Same with six minutes of elite musical work, highlighted by one of my favorite instrumentals in any song.
“Only the Young” by Journey
Sticking with the theme of intros, I’m moving over to my favorite band. Only the Young isn’t a traditional intro, but it’s the opening track on their first Greatest Hits album. I grew up listening to that compilation almost every time I was in my dad’s car, and naturally Only the Young was the first song to play. While not my absolute favorite on the album, it’s in my top five Journey songs and pushing for top three.
Mark Wagner:
“A Good Song Never Dies” by Saint Motel
I would always hear this song come on whenever I started a game of MLB The Show 20 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been stuck in my head for years and for good reason. Saint Motel brings their classic rock-pop vibe to the table to create a song that literally “never dies.” The percussion that’s spread throughout the track combined with the lyrics of the chorus make this song one of the first on my playlist this October.
“Silence” by Marshmello feat. Khalid
Combine one of the most popular DJs on the planet with the crisp vocals of Khalid and you get a song like “Silence”. Most of the song is a soft EDM beat, but the chorus builds into the instrumental, where that familiar dance-music feeling hits you again. I think the best part is that the switches between beats aren’t too sudden and the lyrics match the production so well.
Alex Barnett:
“Bags” by Clairo
As we enter the fall season, Clairo is one of the best artists to listen to while drinking a pumpkin spice latte. “Bags” has a nostalgic vibe to it, integrating electric guitar and acoustic piano instrumentals that shouldn’t work together – but weirdly do. Clairo’s soft vocals and smooth tone go hand-in-hand with the pair’s well-read vulnerable lyricism.
“Like Real People Do” by Hozier
Any Hozier song is a masterpiece in my opinion. His ability to capture the feeling of unfiltered love is truly masterful. I grew up listening to Hozier, and “Like Real People Do” is one of the first songs of his that I added to my personal playlist. While I could mention so many of his songs, this one has to be my number one favorite.
Jessica Taylor:
“Blur” by Bella Kay
This song has been relentlessly stuck in my head for weeks. It has some higher energy, more of a beat, but isn’t too “pop-y”. The lyrics are about wanting to challenge established relationship norms, or just being more honest and messy in general. She is such a talented vocalist, and with a chorus that addictive, it’s no wonder I’ve had it on repeat.
“somebody to somebody” by Alyssa Grace
Ok, this is my slower pick. Alyssa Grace has been gaining a lot of popularity recently. She released her debut EP this summer, including “somebody to somebody”. It’s about wanting to be wanted: letting someone have an unreasonable amount of control over you in hopes that they will deem you important. I love the lyrics, and the music matches the song perfectly. It’s a beautiful tune from such a new artist, and I’m so excited to see what she releases in the future.
